Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) on the sideline in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Detroit, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013.

Written by

Ziggy Ansah didn't have a tackle in last week's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, the first time this season he failed to register on the stat sheet. This week, he tumbled down ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s rookie rankings, dropping from No. 4 two weeks ago to No. 20 on Thursday.

But Lions coach Jim Schwartz defended the first-year defensive end's play on Friday, and said anyone being too critical of Ansah doesn't know what they're watching.

"We've been happy with what he's doing," Schwartz said. "Like all young players, there's going to be some inconsistencies. I'd be careful. I get emails around ...